Ayman al-Zawahiri death: Biden says ‘justice delivered’ after drone strike kills al-Qaida chief – live updates

by 24britishtvAug. 2, 2022, 11 a.m. 63
-

Here is an excerpt from Jason Burke’s analysis for the Guardian of whether the death of Ayman al-Zawahiri will weaken al-Qaida:

Whoever takes over, his strategic decisions will be important. Though al-Qaida was known for its innovative empowerment of local cells, the man at the top of the hierarchy has real authority. An oath of loyalty is sworn not to the group, but to the individual.

When Zawahiri became leader after Bin Laden’s death in a US special forces raid in Pakistan in 2011, he turned al-Qaida away from spectacular long-range attacks, believing they were counterproductive.

Instead, links with groups around the world were reinforced and efforts made to expand through gradually winning support from communities on the ground. This did not always bring success, and al-Qaida suffered significant setbacks in Iraq and Syria during the 11 years Zawahiri was in charge.

The rise of a rival, Islamic State, which swept through these two countries and set up a new “caliphate”, led to a loss of profile and influence in a key region as well as competition elsewhere. The limited achievements of its affiliate in Yemen, once seen as a major potential threat to the region and the west, must have been a disappointment.

What will be the strategy of the new leader? Whoever takes over has multiple options – but no easy ones. He has to stay alive, communicate despite considerable logistic challenges, deal with regimes such as the Taliban and formulate a clear idea of what his subordinates should be doing.

You can read more of Jason Burke’s analysis here: Zawahiri’s killing unlikely to weaken al-Qaida significantly

-

Related Articles

HOT TRENDS

A closer look: can right whales and offshore wind safely coexist?

by 24britishtvMarch 28, 2024, 2 p.m.2
HOT TRENDS

Angela Rayner insists she did nothing wrong over house sale

by 24britishtvMarch 28, 2024, 1 p.m.2
HOT TRENDS

Richarlison considered quitting football during post-World Cup depression

by 24britishtvMarch 28, 2024, 7 a.m.2
HOT TRENDS

Richarlison had dark thoughts after World Cup

by 24britishtvMarch 28, 2024, 2 a.m.2
HOT TRENDS

Gogglebox star George Gilbey has died aged 40

by 24britishtvMarch 28, 2024, midnight2
HOT TRENDS

Households with washing machine told to stop using two temperatures

by 24britishtvMarch 27, 2024, 11 p.m.2
HOT TRENDS

Professor T review — Ben Miller’s jailed sleuth evokes Paddington 2

by 24britishtvMarch 27, 2024, 11 p.m.2
HOT TRENDS

Former England captain Houghton to retire

by 24britishtvMarch 27, 2024, 11 p.m.2
HOT TRENDS

Professor T, series 3, review: a show as awkward as Ben Miller’s sleuth

by 24britishtvMarch 27, 2024, 10 p.m.2
HOT TRENDS

Melanoma and the Wrong Site

by 24britishtvMarch 27, 2024, 9 p.m.2
HOT TRENDS

STOXX Licenses First Crypto Blue Chip Index

by 24britishtvMarch 27, 2024, 9 p.m.2
HOT TRENDS

Jonathan Gullis's promotion shows just how finished the Tories are

by 24britishtvMarch 27, 2024, 8 p.m.2
HOT TRENDS

Bradley 'buzzing' with first NI goal in win over Scots

by 24britishtvMarch 27, 2024, 8 p.m.2
HOT TRENDS

BNG social takes five year SSA euros to €6.75bn in Easter week

by 24britishtvMarch 27, 2024, 7 p.m.2
HOT TRENDS

See why Alan Titchmarsh had his trousers censored while on North Korean TV

by 24britishtvMarch 27, 2024, 7 p.m.2